Verifying motion data for accessing hardware elements

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a method of electronic verification of motion data. This includes collecting a first set of motion data that corresponds to a first set of motion characteristics generated from physically moving a hardware element of a computer ending upon inserting the hardware element of the computer into a computer chassis. This can further include determining an approved set of motion data and comparing the first set of motion data to the approved set of motion data. This can further include determining a difference between the first set of motion data and the approved set of motion data. This can further include determining that the difference does not satisfy a threshold. This can further include executing a reaction sequence in the computer, in response to determining that the difference does not satisfy the threshold.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to information security, moreparticular aspects relate to implementing an electronic verification ofmotion data with a series of physical motions of one or more hardwareelements.

In applications where sensitive algorithms, data, or other programelements are stored, developed, and housed within non-volatile memoryelements, there can be a concern that these sensitive elements could beaccessed and thus have their security compromised. In order to improvedata security, mechanisms can be used to detect intrusion attempts,prohibit unauthorized power-on of hardware, or to otherwise make itdifficult to access data without authorization.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a method ofelectronic verification of motion data. In embodiments, the method caninclude collecting a first set of motion data that corresponds to afirst set of motion characteristics generated from physically moving ahardware element of a computer. In embodiments, collecting the first setof motion data can end upon inserting the hardware element of thecomputer into a computer chassis. In embodiments, the method can includedetermining an approved set of motion data. In embodiments, the approvedset of motion data corresponds to an approved set of motioncharacteristics. In embodiments, the method can include comparing thefirst set of motion data to the approved set of motion data. Inembodiments, the method can include determining a difference between thefirst set of motion data and the approved set of motion data. Inembodiments, the method can include determining that the difference doesnot satisfy a threshold. In embodiments, the method can includeexecuting a reaction sequence in the computer, in response todetermining that the difference does not satisfy the threshold.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into,and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of thepresent disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative ofcertain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an automated machine physicallymanipulating a hardware element in a series of physical motions,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for a method of collecting and analyzingmotion data, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for a method for executing a reactionsequence, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system that collectsand analyzes data from motion sensors, according to various embodiments.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to information security, moreparticular aspects relate to implementing an electronic verification ofmotion data with a series of physical motions of one or more hardwareelements for accessing one or more hardware elements of a computersystem. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to suchapplications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciatedthrough a discussion of various examples using this context.

To assist in data security, hardware elements containing sensitive datacan be housed in a secure location or facility. In embodiments, thehardware elements can be physical components of a computer system, suchas a computer processor, monitor, computer data storage, hard drive,server, or other computer system. In some embodiments, the hardwareelements can be located separately from the computer system. Inembodiments, the hardware elements can be communicatively connected tothe computer system. In some instances the hardware elements could bemoved out of a secure location, such as while being transported, orreceiving maintenance, which could leave sensitive data vulnerable tounauthorized access. For example, the hardware element could be a harddrive located separately at a different geographic location from theserver. Aspects of the present disclosure can increase the likelihoodthat the hardware elements are safely transported to the computer systemand used by authorized users. Aspects of the present disclosure aredirected towards implementing, in computer systems, an electronicverification of motion data with a series of physical motions in orderto gain access to the data stored in one or more hardware elements of acomputer system.

In secured environments, multiple hardware elements can be groupedtogether within a rack-style system packaging solution. To enhance alevel of security, in embodiments, the hardware elements can beconfigured to recognize an approved series of physical motions and anapproved insertion sequence before being inserted within the rack-stylepackaging system solution. If, during an initial or subsequent power-onprocedure, one or more of the hardware elements do not recognize theinsertion sequence, the hardware elements could execute a reactionsequence, as discussed further herein.

An electronic verification of motion data can be implemented in thehardware elements in order to increase the likelihood that the hardwareelement is being powered on by an authorized user. The electronicverification of motion data can be in the form of comparing a first setof motion data to an approved set of motion data. In embodiments, theapproved set of motion data can be a numerical representation of anapproved set of physical motions in the form of data. The approved setof physical motions can be an expected series of physical motions thatthe hardware element can undergo by an authorized user.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a top down view 100 looking down on an automatedmachine 120 physically manipulating a hardware element 130 in a seriesof physical motions, can be seen, according to various embodiments. Inembodiments, the automated machine 120 can be an unmanned roboticmachine. In some embodiments, the automated machine 120 can be a humanoperated machine, such as a forklift, pallet jack, dolly, hand truck, orother machine that is capable of physically manipulating the hardwareelement of the computer. In embodiments, the top down view 100, depictsthe automated machine 120 manipulating the hardware element in a seriesof physical motions until the hardware element is inserted into acomputer chassis 170 as the final movement in the series of motions.

The series of physical motions can include one or more motioncharacteristics. In embodiments, the one or more motion characteristicscan be rotational and translational movement of the hardware element.The series of physical motions can conclude with the hardware elementbeing inserted into a computer chassis. The approved set of physicalmotions can include translational motions and rotational motions. Inembodiments, the translational movement can be the motion by which thehardware element can shift from one point in space to another. Forexample, the translational movement can be a plane, for example, theplane defined by the x and y axis. The translational movement can be ina horizontal direction, and the translational movement can be in avertical direction. In embodiments, rotational motions can be a movementof the hardware element around a center (or point) of rotation of thecenter of mass of the hardware element. For example, spinning thehardware element in order to insert the hardware element into its finalposition in the chassis can be included as a rotational movement. Themotion characteristics could include the acceleration, angularacceleration, velocity, position, and spatial orientation (e.g. tilt,angle from the surface of a floor).

In embodiments, the top down view 100, depicts a room 110 including acomputer chassis 170. In certain embodiments, the computer chassis 170can be a computer hardware rack, server housing, or other computerstorage system. In some embodiments, the computer chassis 170 can be aserver housing multiple elements of the computer system. In embodiments,the computer chassis 170 can include multiple slots or modules. Inembodiments, the multiple slots or modules can contain similar contentgrouping together multiple hardware elements 130 of a computer, e.g.hard drives within a rack style system packaging solution. Inembodiments, the computer system can infer the position and spatialorientation of the hardware element 130 within a slot of the computerchassis 170 from the motion data. For example, the computer system candetermine the distance between one slot and an adjacent slot in thecomputer chassis 170 by analyzing and comparing the motion data.

In embodiments, one or more sensors can record the translational androtational movement of the hardware element 130 in the form of a firstset of motion data. In embodiments, the motion data could be varioustypes of data extracted from the one or more motion sensors. Inembodiments, the motion sensors could be micro-electronic mechanicalsystems (MEMS) that are capable of measuring the movement of thehardware element. The movement sensors could include an accelerometermeasuring the acceleration. The movement sensors could include aninclinometer measuring the tilt. The movement sensors could include acompass measuring direction. The movement sensors could include agyroscope measuring the angular acceleration. Inferring more informationthan the acceleration, tilt, and direction of the hardware element 130can be accomplished from the results obtained from the motion sensors.For example, by deriving data from the accelerometer and deriving datafrom the gyroscope, the velocity and the position of the hardwareelement, as well as, the angular velocity of the hardware element couldbe determined, respectively. In some embodiments, in order to securesuch isolated hardware elements, the motion sensors can becommunicatively coupled to the hardware elements, and can also bephysically attached to the hardware elements. In embodiments, the motionsensors and the hardware element can be powered by auxiliary power, abattery, or other short-term power supply.

An axis of direction 115 is shown in the lower left corner of FIG. 1.The series of physical motions can include as shown in FIG. 1, theautomated machine 120 accelerating followed by decelerating in thepositive Y direction for 10 meters on path 135 towards the computerchassis until reaching a location 140. In embodiments, the accelerationcan be detected by the accelerometer. The orientation of the hardwareelement during the series of motions can be detected by the gyroscopeand the direction of translational movement can be detected by acompass. The series of physical motions can include pausing for tenseconds at location 140. The series of physical motions can include,after pausing for ten seconds at location 140, accelerating followed bydecelerating in the positive Y direction for 10 meters on path 145 untilreaching a location 150. In embodiments, at location 150, the automatedmachine 120 can then continue by raising the hardware element 130 fourfeet vertically away from the floor of the room. In embodiments, theaccelerometer can detect the acceleration of the hardware element in thevertical direction when the automated machine 120 is raising thehardware element 130. The series of physical motions can include, atlocation 150, rotating the hardware element from the positive Ydirection to the negative X direction, then accelerating in the negativeX direction for 15 meters on path 155 until aligning the hardwareelement 130 with the computer chassis 170 at a location 160. The seriesof physical motions can include, at location 160, rotating the hardwareelement 130 ninety degrees clockwise. In embodiments, the series ofphysical motions can include, at location 160, rotating the hardwareelement 130 from the negative X direction to the positive Y direction,and continuing in the positive Y direction towards the computer chassis170 at a velocity for 20 meters on path 165 until the forklift caninsert the hardware element 130 into the computer chassis 170. Inembodiments, inserting the hardware element 130 into the computerchassis 170 can be the final motion in the series of physical motions.

In embodiments, the inclinometer in conjunction with the compass candetect the spatial orientation of the final position of the hardwareelement 130 in the computer chassis 170. The inclinometer and compasscan detect if the forklift has properly inserted the hardware element130 into the computer chassis 170, and the location of the hardwareelement 130 within the computer chassis 170. Proper insertion of thehardware element 130 into the computer chassis 170 can include theinclinometer measuring the tilt of the bottom surface of the hardwareelement 130 with respect to a surface of a slot within the computerchassis 170. Proper insertion of the hardware element 130 into thecomputer chassis 170 can also include the compass measuring the finaldirection of the hardware element 130 with respect to a direction sothat one or more surfaces of the hardware element 130 are parallel tothe inside of the computer chassis 170 slot.

In embodiments, the automated machine 120 can have a programmed set ofinstructions that can include an approved series of physical motions.The series of physical motions can include an approved set of motiondata. The approved set of motion data can be substantially similar tothe first set of motion data. The approved set of motion data can beused as a comparison to increase the likelihood that if the first set ofmotion data is within a threshold of the approved set of motion data,then the hardware element 130 is being used by an authorized user. Theapproved set of motion data can correspond to information included in anapproved set of motion characteristics. The approved set of motioncharacteristics can be a set of motion characteristics that are intendedfor the hardware element 130 to undergo by authorized users. Theauthorized users can be an automated machine, such as the automatedmachine 120 described in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the approved set ofmotion data may be a numerical representation of the approved motioncharacteristics in the form of data. For example, if the hardwareelement is being used in an operating environment that includes beingphysically manipulated by an automated machine in a certain series ofphysical motions before being inserted into a computer chassis, then theapproved set of motion data could include the certain series of physicalmotions that could be collected by the various movement sensors. Inembodiments, the approved set of motion data can include an approvedacceleration, an approved final position, an approved time, and anapproved orientation of the hardware element 130 that can be comparedwith the first set of motion data, as discussed herein.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a flow chart for a method 200 of processingmotion data can be seen, according to various embodiments. Inembodiments, the method can include, in operation 210, collecting afirst set of motion data from one or more sensors. Collecting the firstset of motion data can occur in response to a condition occurring. Inembodiments, the condition may be various circumstances that influencethe actions of a computer. For example, the condition could be a commandto power-on a portion of the computer, to access data from the computer,to execute an application, or other type of computer-based command. Insome embodiments, the condition can be a command for the computer toperform a set of operations, such as collect the first set of motiondata. In embodiments, the computer could be a programmable machine thatis capable of executing a set of operations, such as processing andcomparing motion data.

In embodiments, first set of motion data can be an electronicrepresentation of a first set of motion characteristics of the hardwareelement in the form of numerical data. The first set of motioncharacteristics can correspond to a machine or human physicallymanipulating one or more hardware elements of the computer, such as astorage system, in a series of physical motions. For example, the firstset of motion characteristics can include physically manipulating thehardware elements before inserting the hardware elements into a computerchassis 170 as in FIG. 1. In embodiments, the first set of motion datacan include acceleration data, orientation data, final position data,and time data. In embodiments, the collecting the first set of motiondata can conclude upon insertion of the hardware element into thecomputer chassis. In some embodiments, collecting can conclude upon thehardware element being physically connected to the computer system. Incertain embodiments, collecting can conclude upon expiration of a timebased interval. For example, collecting can occur for thirty seconds. Insome embodiments, collecting can occur within a certain time. Forexample, the hardware element can be inserted into the computer chassiswithin thirty seconds. In embodiments, after collecting the first set ofmotion data, the method 200 can proceed to an operation 220.

In embodiments, the operation 220 can include the computer systemanalyzing the first set of motion data. In embodiments, analyzing caninclude the computer system extracting the motion data from the one ormore motion sensors and examining the constitution or structure of themotion data and determining meaningful results, such as theacceleration, tilt, and the orientation of the hardware element 130. Forexample, determining meaningful results can include organizing themotion data into numerical values describing the motion characteristics.This can include organizing the motion data further into categoriesincluding position, velocity, angular velocity, and angular accelerationof the hardware element 130 of the computer.

In embodiments, analyzing can include calculating a first accelerationof the hardware element. In embodiments, the first acceleration is theacceleration of the hardware element while the hardware element is beingphysically manipulated. In embodiments, the first acceleration may bepartitioned into single motions, for example, acceleration during eachpath in FIG. 1. The first acceleration can also be partitioned bydirection, and partitioned by time. In embodiments, analyzing caninclude determining a first orientation of the hardware element whilebeing physically manipulated. For example, the first orientation can becollected at set times during each path in FIG. 1. For example, the settimes can start at a location and end at a following location in FIG. 1.The final position of the hardware element can be included in the firstorientation. In some embodiments, analyzing can include determining afirst time. The first time can be the total length of time that thehardware element is being physically manipulated. The total length oftime can begin when the condition occurs and conclude when the hardwareelement is inserted into the computer chassis and the one or moresensors have finished collecting data. The first time can include thetime that the hardware element is not being physically manipulated.

In embodiments, operation 220 also can include implementing additionaltechniques to further analyze the motion data, in the case if the motiondata is unreadable. For example, in the case where either the storedapproved set of motion data is unreadable, or the ability tosuccessfully collect or interpret the first set of motion data isunsuccessful. Recollecting the motion data can occur if the computer isnot capable of processing or interpreting the motion data. Inembodiments, operation 210 may proceed to a decision block 225 aftercollecting and analyzing the data.

In certain embodiments, the method 200 can include, in decision block225, determining if the motion data has been successfully analyzed. Themotion sensors can recollect the motion data if the motion data cannotbe successfully analyzed. In embodiments, successfully analyzed meansthat the techniques can determine the first acceleration, firstorientation, and first time. In embodiments, if the motion data issuccessfully analyzed, the method 200 can proceed to an operation 230;otherwise, the method 200 could return to operation 210.

In embodiments, the computer system can compare the first set of motiondata to an approved set of motion data, then respond in various ways ifthe first set of motion data does not satisfy a threshold, the thresholddiscussed further herein. In some embodiments, the hardware element cancollect a first set of motion data and once inserted into the computerchassis and connected to the computer system, a second condition canoccur. The second condition can trigger the computer system to comparethe first set of motion data to the approved set of motion data.

In certain embodiments, the approved set of motion data can be stored inmemory in the computer. The memory may be operatively coupled to thecomputer. The memory that can store the approved set of motion data maynot be accessible after the condition occurs. For example, once thecomputer is turned on, the approved set of motion data cannot beaccessible. The memory may not be accessible after time zero, sounauthorized users attempting to extract the approved set of motion datamay fail in retrieving information from the computer or hardwareelements.

In embodiments, operation 230 can include comparing the first set ofmotion data to the approved set of motion data. Comparing the first setof motion data to the approved set of motion data can include comparingthe first acceleration to the approved acceleration. Comparing the firstset of motion data to the approved set of motion data can includecomparing the first orientation to the approved orientation. Comparingthe first set of motion data to the approved set of motion data caninclude comparing the first time to an approved time. The presentdisclosure does not limit comparing the available types of motioncharacteristics to acceleration, orientation, and time. Motioncharacteristics can also include altitude of the hardware element,velocity of the hardware element, angular velocity of the hardwareelement, and angular acceleration of the hardware element. Inembodiments, after comparing the first set of motion data to theapproved set of motion data, operation 230 can proceed to an operation240.

The method can include, in operation 240, determining a differencebetween the first set of motion data and the approved set of motiondata. In embodiments, the difference can be a representation of thequantitative contrast between the first set of motion characteristicsand the approved set of motion characteristics. For example, thedifference with respect to the acceleration can be represented as amagnitude of the first acceleration subtracted from the approvedacceleration, and can be called the acceleration difference. Inembodiments, operation 230 can include determining a time difference andan orientation difference in a substantially similar way as determiningthe acceleration difference can be accomplished. In embodiments, afterdetermining the one or more differences based on the motioncharacteristics, the operation 240 can proceed to an operation 250.

The method can include, in operation 250, determining a score (S) thatis based on the one or more differences. The score can be an aggregateof the one or more difference, can be a single numerical value, and canbe unit less. In embodiments, the score can be a numericalrepresentation of the difference between the first set of motion dataand the approved set of motion data. For example, the score can be anindication that an authorized user is physically manipulating thehardware element. In certain embodiments, scoring can include weightingthe differences for each motion characteristic. In embodiments,weighting may be a numerical representation of the relative difficultyof reproducing a certain motion characteristic. For example, theapproved acceleration may be more difficult to reproduce than theapproved time or the approved orientation. For this reason, theacceleration difference can be weighted more heavily than theorientation difference and time difference.

The method can include determining that the score does not satisfy athreshold. In embodiments, the threshold may be a numericalrepresentation indicating the limit of an acceptable difference betweenthe first set of motion characteristics and the approved set of motioncharacteristics. In embodiments, achieving the threshold may beaccomplished when the magnitude of the score is less than the magnitudeof the threshold. In certain embodiments, not achieving the thresholdmay cause a reaction sequence to occur, the reaction sequence discussedherein. In embodiments, after the operation 250 determines the score,operation 250 can proceed to an operation 260.

The method can include, in operation 260, executing a reaction sequencein the computer. The reaction sequence can have more than one responsethat depends on the value of the score. The reaction sequence can havemore than one threshold ranges that the score can satisfy. In someembodiments, the reaction sequence can be a set of events occurring inthe computer in response to a threshold range not being satisfied. Inembodiments, the reaction sequence can initiate one or more alarms. Inembodiments, the reaction sequence can overwrite data stored in thecomputer, physically damage the computer, shut-down the computer, orinitiate one or more alarms. Initiating the reaction sequence may bewith the intention to restrict the user from accessing the computer or‘sensitive’ information stored in the computer.

Removing the hardware element from the computer chassis can cause thecomputer system to erase the first set of motion data. The first set ofmotion data can be required for granting permission to an authorizeduser for accessing the hardware element. By erasing the first set ofmotion data from the hardware element, the motion sensors can collect anew first set of motion data in order to access the hardware element.This can increase the likelihood of securing the hardware element of thecomputer from unauthorized users attempting to access the hardwareelement after the hardware element is inserted in the computer chassis.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a flow chart of a method 300 for a reactionsequence can be seen, according to various embodiments. The reactionsequence illustrated in FIG. 3 can be an embodiment of operation 260. Inembodiments, executing a response in the reaction sequence depends onthe value of the score. In embodiments, the method 300 can include,checking at each decision block if the score is within a threshold rangeof the current decision block. For example, in embodiments, eachdecision block can have its own threshold range. In embodiments, thethreshold ranges can be predetermined numerical values in increments ofone in increasing order labeled T₀, T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄, e.g.T₀<T₁<T₂<T₃<T₄. In embodiments, the score may begin at the decisionblock with a threshold range of T₀≦S<T₁. If the score is not within thethreshold range T₀≦S<T₁, the score can proceed to the decision blockwith the threshold range including T₁≦S<T₂, and continue until the scorereaches a decision block with a threshold range that the score iswithin. In embodiments, employing the reaction sequence may occur inorder to restrict unauthorized end users from attempting to accessinformation stored in the computer.

In certain embodiments, the operation 310 can include granting the enduser partial access to the computer. In embodiments, operation 310occurs if the score has a value of T₀≦S<T₁. In embodiments, granting theend user access may not necessarily mean granting access to allinformation stored in the computer. Although access may be granted tothe computer, the condition may reoccur in response to the expiration ofa time-based interval. In embodiments, the time-based interval may causethe method 300 to reoccur.

In embodiments, granting access can occur from a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) device transmitting an electromagnetic signal to areceiver confirming that the score has a value of T₀≦S<T₁. The RFIDdevice can be connectively coupled to the hardware element and cantransmit the electromagnetic signal in response to the score beingwithin one or more threshold ranges. The RFID device can generate amodified signal that depends on the threshold range that the score fallswithin. For example, the RFID device can generate an electromagneticsignal that is unique to each of the threshold ranges. The receiver canbe communicatively coupled to the computer system. In certainembodiments, the RFID device and the receiver can be internally attachedwithin the hardware element. In embodiments, the RFID device can beinternally attached within the hardware element and the receiver can bephysically attached to the chassis. In embodiments, the method 300 mayproceed to an operation 320, if the score has a value of T₁≦S.

In some embodiments, the method 300 can include, in operation 320overwriting a set of data stored in the computer. In embodiments,overwriting the set of data may be the process of writing a binary setof data stored in the memory, the memory that is operatively connectedto the computer. In embodiments, overwriting may include writing overold data stored in the memory. For example, in embodiments, the set ofdata may be deleted by overwriting the set of data in binary with allzeroes followed by all ones multiple times so that the set of data canbe unreadable.

In embodiments, overwriting the set of data may include rewriting theset of data. For example, in certain embodiments, overwriting theinformation could include formatting the set of data with randominformation or an explanation as to why executing the reaction sequencemay have been necessary. In embodiments, the method 300 may proceed toan operation 330, if the score has a value of T₂≦S.

In embodiments, the method 300 can include, in operation 330, shuttingdown the computer. In some embodiments, shutting-down the computer maybe done by restricting power to the computer. In some embodiments,shutting-down the computer may transpire for a varying amount of time.For example, in embodiments, shutting-down the computer may betemporary, permanently, or until determining a solution as to whyexecuting the reaction sequence may have been necessary. In someembodiments, the method 300 may proceed to an operation 340, if thescore has a value of T₃≦S.

In certain embodiments, the method 300 may include, in operation 340,initiating one or more alarms. In embodiments, the one or more alarmsmay include an electromagnetic alarm, an auditory alarm, or a smokealarm. For example, in embodiments, the electromagnetic alarm may sendout electromagnetic waves in the infrared spectrum or the ultravioletspectrum and the auditory alarm can be a high-pitched frequency. Incertain embodiments, the method 300 can proceed to an operation 350, ifthe score has a value of T₄≦S.

In embodiments, the method 300 can include, in operation 350, initiatinga self-destruct mechanism. In some embodiments, initiating theself-destruct mechanism may be in the form of causing physical damage tohardware that restricts access to a portion of data. For example,causing damage may affect the electrical circuitry of the computerbeyond repair.

In some embodiments, satisfying the threshold in order to gain access tothe computer can depend on an order of inserting more than one hardwareelements into the chassis. For example, more than one hardware elementof the computer can have its own distinct series of physical motions. Insome embodiments, the one or more hardware elements can also have thesame series of physical motions. For example, if there are four hardwareelements, two can be required to be physically manipulated in one seriesof physical motions and another two can be required to be physicallymanipulated in another series of physical motions. In certainembodiments, the order of each hardware element being inserted into thechassis can be required. For example, the threshold cannot be achievedif one hardware element is inserted before its approved turn, where theapproved turn can be included in the approved set of motion data. Incertain embodiments, the possible permutations for combining the orderof inserting the hardware elements into the chassis and the individualhardware element's programmed series of physical motions can bedetermined and configured into the approved set of motion data.

FIG. 4 depicts a high-level block diagram of a system for implementingembodiments of the disclosure. The mechanisms and apparatus ofembodiments of the present disclosure apply equally to any appropriatecomputing system. The major components of the computer system 400comprise one or more processors 406, a main memory 404, a terminalinterface 410, a storage interface 412, an I/O (Input/Output) deviceinterface 414, a user I/O device 424, and a storage device 426, all ofwhich are communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, forinter-component communication via a memory bus 418, an I/O bus 420, andan I/O bus interface unit 422.

The computer system 400 may contain one or more general-purposeprogrammable central processing units (CPUs) 406A, 406B, 406C, and 406D,herein generically referred to as the processor 406. In an embodiment,the computer system 400 contains multiple processors typical of arelatively large system; however, in another embodiment the computersystem 400 may alternatively be a single CPU system. Each processor 406executes instructions stored in the main memory 404 and may comprise oneor more levels of on-board cache 430.

In an embodiment, the main memory 404 may comprise a random-accesssemiconductor memory, storage device, or storage medium (either volatileor non-volatile) for storing or encoding data and programs 434. Inanother embodiment, the main memory 404 represents the entire virtualmemory of the computer system 400, and may also include the virtualmemory of other computer systems coupled to the computer system 400 orconnected via a network. The main memory 404 is conceptually a singlemonolithic entity, but in other embodiments the main memory 404 is amore complex arrangement, such as a hierarchy of caches 430 and othermemory devices. For example, memory may exist in multiple levels ofcaches, and these caches may be further divided by function, so that onecache holds instructions while another holds non-instruction data, whichis used by the processor or processors. Memory may be furtherdistributed and associated with different CPUs or sets of CPUs, as isknown in any of various so-called non-uniform memory access (NUMA)computer architectures.

The main memory 404 may store all or a portion of the following: RAM432, cache 430, storage system 436, one or more programs/utilities 434,and at least one set of program modules 438. Although the RAM 432, cache430, storage system 436, one or more programs/utilities 434, and atleast one set of program modules 438 are illustrated as being containedwithin the memory 404 in the computer system 400, in other embodimentssome or all of them may be on different computer systems and may beaccessed remotely, e.g., via a network. The computer system 400 may usevirtual addressing mechanisms that allow the programs of the computersystem 400 to behave as if they only have access to a large, singlestorage entity instead of access to multiple, smaller storage entities.Thus, while the RAM 432, cache 430, storage system 436, one or moreprograms/utilities 438, and at least one set of program modules 438 areillustrated as being contained within the main memory 404, thesecomponents are not necessarily all completely contained in the samestorage device at the same time. Further, although the RAM 432, cache430, storage system 436, one or more programs/utilities 438, and atleast one set of program modules 438 are illustrated as being separateentities, in other embodiments some of them, portions of some of them,or all of them may be packaged together.

In an embodiment, the memory 404 comprise instructions or statementsthat execute on the processor 406 or instructions or statements that areinterpreted by instructions or statements that execute on the processor406, to carry out the functions as further described with reference tothe figures as discussed herein. For example, the memory 404 can storethe approved set of motion data and can be compared to the first set ofdata by the processor 406. The memory 404 can store instructions forextracting information from one or more motion sensors 428, determiningthe one or more differences, score, as well as, for executing thereaction sequence. The memory 404 can store the information from one ormore motion sensors 428 once the motion sensors 428 have been connectedto the I/O device interface 414 of the computer system 400. The computersystem 400 can be communicatively and connectively coupled to thehardware element. The terminal interface 410 can update the user with areal time analysis of the one or more actions being implemented inmethod 200.

In another embodiment, the main memory 404 are implemented in hardwarevia semiconductor devices, chips, logical gates, circuits, circuitcards, and/or other physical hardware devices in lieu of, or in additionto, a processor-based system. In an embodiment, the main memory 404comprise data in addition to instructions or statements.

The memory bus 418 provides a data communication path for transferringdata among the processor 406, the main memory 404, and the I/O businterface 422. The I/O bus interface 422 is further coupled to the I/Obus 420 for transferring data to and from the various I/O units. The I/Obus interface unit 422 communicates with multiple I/O interface units410, 412, 414, 424, and 426 which are also known as I/O processors(IOPs) or I/O adapters (IOAs), through the I/O bus 420.

The I/O interface units support communication with a variety of storageand I/O devices. For example, the terminal interface unit 410 supportsthe attachment of one or more user I/O devices 424, which may compriseuser output devices (such as a video display device, speaker, and/ortelevision set) and user input devices (such as a keyboard, mouse,keypad, touchpad, trackball, buttons, light pen, or other pointingdevice). A user may manipulate the user input devices using a userinterface, in order to provide input data and commands to the user I/Odevice 424 and the computer system 400, and may receive output data viathe user output devices. For example, a user interface may be presentedvia the user I/O device 424, such as displayed on a display device,played via a speaker, or printed via a printer.

The storage interface 412 supports the attachment of one or more diskdrives or direct access storage devices 426 (which are typicallyrotating magnetic disk drive storage devices, although they couldalternatively be other storage devices, including arrays of disk drivesconfigured to appear as a single large storage device to a hostcomputer). In another embodiment, the storage device 426 may beimplemented via any type of secondary storage device. The contents ofthe main memory 404, or any portion thereof, may be stored to andretrieved from the storage device 426, as needed. The I/O deviceinterface 414 provides an interface to any of various other input/outputdevices or devices of other types, such as printers or fax machines. Thenetwork interface provides one or more communications paths from thecomputer system 400 to other digital devices and computer systems; suchpaths may comprise, e.g., one or more networks.

Although the memory bus 418 is shown in FIG. 4 as a relatively simple,single bus structure providing a direct communication path among theprocessors 406, the main memory 404, and the I/O bus interface 422, infact the memory bus 418 may comprise multiple different buses orcommunication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, suchas point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations,multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any otherappropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the I/O businterface 422 and the I/O bus 420 are shown as single respective units,the computer system 400 may, in fact, contain multiple I/O bus interfaceunits 422 and/or multiple I/O buses 420. While multiple I/O interfaceunits are shown, which separate the I/O bus 420 from variouscommunications paths running to the various I/O devices, in otherembodiments some or all of the I/O devices are connected directly to oneor more system I/O buses.

In various embodiments, the computer system 400 is a multi-usermainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer orsimilar device that has little or no direct user interface, but receivesrequests from other computer systems (clients). In other embodiments,the computer system 400 is implemented as a desktop computer, portablecomputer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer,telephone, smart phone, or any other appropriate type of electronicdevice.

FIG. 4 is intended to depict the representative major components of thecomputer system 400. But, individual components may have greatercomplexity than represented in FIG. 4, components other than or inaddition to those shown in FIG. 4 may be present, and the number, type,and configuration of such components may vary. Several particularexamples of such additional complexity or additional variations aredisclosed herein; these are by way of example only and are notnecessarily the only such variations. The various program componentsillustrated in FIG. 4 and implementing various embodiments of theinvention may be implemented in a number of manners, including usingvarious computer applications, routines, components, programs, objects,modules, data structures, etc., and are referred to herein as“software,” “computer programs,” or simply “programs.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It can be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

1. A method of electronic verification of motion data, the methodcomprising: collecting a first set of motion data that corresponds to afirst set of motion characteristics generated from physically moving ahardware element of a computer, wherein the computer comprises aprocessor, memory, gyroscope, accelerometer, wherein the computerchassis is a computer hardware rack comprising one or more slots, eachof the one or more slots being capable of housing a computer, whereincollecting the first set of motion data ends upon inserting the computerwithin a slot of the computer hardware rack, wherein the computer isconfigured to be inserted into a slot of the computer hardware rack,wherein physically moving the hardware element of the computer includestranslational movement and rotational movement of the hardware element,wherein collecting the first set of motion data is in response to afirst condition, the first condition including receiving a firstcomputer-based command indicating a first set of operations for thecomputer, wherein the first condition that occurs is powering-on thecomputer; determining an approved set of motion data, the approved setof motion data corresponding to an approved set of motioncharacteristics, and wherein the first set of motion data furtherincludes a distance between a slot in the computer chassis where thecomputer is inserted and an adjacent slot in the computer chassis;comparing the first set of motion data to the approved set of motiondata, and determining a difference between the first set of motion dataand the approved set of motion data, wherein the comparing is inresponse to a second condition, wherein the second condition includesreceiving a second computer-based command indicating a second set ofoperations for the computer, wherein the second condition occurs afterinserting the hardware element into the computer chassis; determiningthat the difference does not satisfy a threshold; and executing areaction sequence in the computer, in response to determining that thedifference does not satisfy the threshold, wherein the reaction sequenceincludes overwriting a set of data stored in the computer.